Save A vibrant, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a creamy basil pesto sauce—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
The first time I made this pesto chicken bowtie pasta, my family couldn't stop raving about how creamy and fresh it tasted. It's become our go-to when we need a fast but satisfying dinner that feels a little special.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp freshly ground
- Basil pesto: 120 g (1/2 cup), store-bought or homemade
- Heavy cream: 120 ml (1/2 cup)
- Parmesan cheese: 2 tbsp, grated
- Cherry tomatoes (optional): 120 g (1 cup), halved
- Baby spinach (optional): 60 g (2 cups)
- Toasted pine nuts (optional): 2 tbsp
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese: for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves: for garnish
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 60 ml (1/4 cup) of pasta water.
- Sauté the chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add pesto and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine chicken and pasta:
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add vegetables (optional):
- If using, add cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes until spinach is wilted and tomatoes are just softened.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with toasted pine nuts, extra Parmesan, and fresh basil.
Save My kids always help sprinkle the fresh basil on top, and it's a moment we look forward to while enjoying warm pasta together around the dinner table.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, colander, chef's knife, cutting board, wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Contains milk/dairy (Parmesan, cream, pesto), pine nuts (in pesto and as garnish), gluten (pasta). Some store-bought pestos may contain tree nuts (cashews) or other allergens. Always check labels.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 580 calories, 25 g total fat, 57 g carbohydrates, and 34 g protein.
Save 
This vibrant pesto chicken bowtie pasta is best enjoyed right away while it's perfectly creamy. Serve with a green salad for a complete meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I cook bowtie pasta perfectly?
Boil salted water and cook bowtie pasta until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes, then drain and reserve some pasta water for sauce adjustment.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, shrimp or turkey can be used as alternatives; adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they stay tender.
- → What is the best way to combine pesto and cream?
Simmer pesto with heavy cream over medium heat, stirring gently until slightly thickened, to create a smooth, rich sauce.
- → How can I add extra vegetables to this dish?
Fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes work well when stirred in last and cooked briefly to retain texture and color.
- → What garnishes enhance the dish's flavor?
Toasted pine nuts, freshly grated Parmesan, and basil leaves add a delightful aroma and textural contrast.
